An update from Chris Taylor, Trading and Distribution Director
With summer now behind us, the Christmas decorations have already hit the shelves, and insurers have their year-end targets firmly in their sights. It’s always a busy time of year for the market, and for our brokers too.
I’m delighted to start by congratulating Duncan Pagan on his new role as CEO of Hedron Network. I've worked with Duncan for 15 years and in my view, there is no more committed individual to championing independent brokers. Duncan has been through our own Network journey and has been instrumental to the proposition that has supported the success of many partner brokers. He understands the challenges brokers face, and is committed to the continued development of what we offer to further and deepen that support. Congratulations again, Duncan.
Broker Forum focus: High Performance
Next month we gather in Portugal for Broker Forum (8–10 October), and it’s fantastic to see a record number of partner broker firms and delegates registered.
Forum is much more than a conference - it’s one of the cornerstones of the Hedron community. It provides a fantastic platform to engage with the market, share experiences with some of the best independent brokers in the UK, and take the time to commit to plans that will support your objectives and ambitions.
This year our theme of High Performance will run through the programme - from the impact of mindset and considering your brand, to what high performance looks like in our sector, your people strategy, and the tools available to support you. I’m especially excited that, for the first time, we have a dedicated programme - the Top Gun Academy - running through the Forum and into 2026. In an industry consistently talking about talent, it’s great to see brokers investing in their talented Account Executives, helping them soar to the next level and achieve their full potential. Watch this space!
Deals driving growth
The Broker Forum also helps set us up for a strong year-end and a clear focus for 2026. One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen over the past 12 months is the growth in insurer appetite for ‘deals’, which we highlighted during a workshop at last year’s Hedron Horizon. Fast forward to today and there are now more than 120 broker deals in place for 2025, with more panel insurers offering growth deals to brokers of all sizes. In the current market conditions, deals are an opportunity to strengthen broker profiles with insurers, improve trading relationships, deliver better service to clients and generate additional revenue.
As we head into Q4, our Business Development Consultants are working with both brokers and insurers to ensure 2025 targets are met, while already exploring what opportunities 2026 may hold. If you’d like to discuss potential deal opportunities, please get in touch with your BDC.
Market energy and new opportunities
Market conditions remain extremely competitive, with pricing pressure and a widening of appetite across insurers. The soft market continues to put pressure on each and every risk, but those brokers engaging proactively with insurers are finding a real competitive advantage.
Power in our community
The power of Hedron lies in our partner brokers, and it’s been fantastic to see so many of you celebrate trading milestones this year. As a network, we’re proud to be part of your evolution. You continue to outperform peers, deliver outstanding service to clients, and it’s clear insurers recognise this, which is why they want to work with you!
Finally, I’d like to thank our Premier Sponsors of Broker Forum 2025 for their continued support and for contributing the articles you’ll find in this September newsletter issue. They bring valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing our market, and I’d encourage you to take the time to read and enjoy them.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at Forum in October.
Over and out,
Chris